An energy firm has changed its plans for major gas works in Clare this summer following people’s feedback.

Earlier this month people raised concerns over emergency access during the works at a heated public meeting which was attended by some 200 members of the public.

National Grid’s works to upgrade nearly half a kilometre of gas mains are due to start on July 13 and will involve the closure of Cavendish Road.

The energy company says after listening to concerns by local people about the proposals it has reviewed them and put forward amended plans to Mary Evans, Suffolk County Councillor for Clare, and Alaric Pugh, St Edmundsbury Borough Councillor for Clare, as well as to officers from both councils.

The revised plans include:

•Keeping Cavendish Road open to traffic until July 17 when term ends at Stour Valley Community School. The first week of the gas renewal work – from July 13 to 17 - will take place under temporary traffic lights. National Grid and Suffolk County Council are liaising with those schools whose term ends the following week, with arrangements being put in place where there are school bus pick-ups within Clare.

•Aiming to complete work in Cavendish Road within four weeks, rather than the original seven weeks, working extended hours and using additional staff.

•Plans in place to allow emergency service access into Cavendish Road while the road closure is underway.

Andrew Stone, National Grid operations interface manager, said: “We have listened very carefully to the concerns raised by residents and businesses at the public meeting on June 2.

“We are working closely with the local authorities and elected representatives councillor Mary Evans and councillor Alaric Pugh to ensure we minimize the disruption to local people, while carrying out this essential work safely.

“It is vital we replace ageing gas mains so local people can continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies but we will do our utmost, working with the community, to reduce the impact of this work.”

The new plans also include an agreement with Stour Valley Community School for the school’s turning circle to be used by public bus services during the school holidays, with a revised timetable to enable bus users to walk the closed section of road.

And to prevent HGVs entering the town, electronic variable message signs will be stationed at key points in the Clare area warning of the road closure and diversion, and there will be communication with major haulage companies known to use Cavendish Road.

National Grid will be sharing its new proposals for the work with residents and businesses and answering questions at two events being held at Clare Town Hall on Tuesday.

During the day, from 10am to 5pm, people will be able to stop by and learn more about how the work will be carried out and raise any issues with National Grid and its contractors, tRIIO.

This will be followed by an evening meeting starting at 7pm and running until 8.30pm.

While Cavendish Road is closed, the following diversion route will be in place: A1092 towards Long Melford, A134 towards Bury St Edmunds, A1302, A143 towards Haverhill, A1017, and then the A1092 towards Clare.

Traffic management measures will also be necessary for Church Lane for three weeks during August.

Businesses affected by the work may be eligible for compensation. To find out more visit www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas

For more information about the works contact National Grid customer services on 0800 096 5678.